Video Stage 30: Arzúa to Pedrouzo | Camino Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Video Stage 30: Arzúa to Pedrouzo | Camino de Santiago Frances with Jhonatan Barrios
Jhonatan Barrios shares his experience on Stage 30 of the Camino de Santiago Frances, running from Arzúa to Pedrouzo, a 19.5-kilometre stretch walked between 26 April and 26 May 2022.
During this stage, Jhonatan and his group explored Arzúa, surprised by the number of peregrinos who had spent the night there. On their third-to-last day on the Camino, they enjoyed the beautiful Galician scenery. They stopped at Bar de la Tía Dolores, where they relaxed with a pilgrim beer and enjoyed a delicious meal before continuing on to Pedrouzo. This stage turned out to be less demanding compared to other days.
On arriving in Pedrouzo, they settled into the hostel and freshened up with a shower. Then they had dinner at Bar KM19, where they enjoyed a succulent pork loin in an exquisite sauce paired with a good wine. After dinner, they returned to the hostel to rest and get ready for the exciting day ahead, when they would finally reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the city of Santiago de Compostela.
Stage 30: Arzúa to Pedrouzo with Jhonatan Barrios
Jhonatan Barrios, a determined and passionate pilgrim, gets ready for the second-to-last stage of his Camino de Santiago adventure. On this leg, Barrios leaves Albergue Milpes in Ribadiso under a cloudy-then-clearing sky, ready to cover the 23 kilometres separating him from Pedrouzo. Stage 30, while challenging, is the prelude to the triumphant arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Throughout the day, Barrios not only moves closer to his goal, but also explores and enjoys the rich Galician culture and traditions. This article details his experiences, the wonders of Arzúa, and the highlights of the journey towards Santiago.
The Start of the Stage: Ribadiso to Arzúa
Setting Out from Ribadiso
Jhonatan Barrios’s journey begins in Ribadiso, a small village with Albergue Milpes as the starting point. The morning is wrapped in mist, adding a mystical touch to the start of the walk. As the group moves on, the mist lifts and the clear sky offers an inspiring view. The route to Arzúa, covering roughly 23 kilometres, is a mix of excitement and anticipation, since only one day remains before reaching Santiago de Compostela.
Arzúa: The Land of Cheese
Arzúa is known for its famous cheese, an iconic product of the region. This town isn’t only known for its food, but is also a meeting point for two important routes: the Camino del Norte and the Camino Frances. The Codex Calixtinus, an ancient book describing the Camino de Santiago, mentions the parish of Arzúa because of the lime kilns used in the construction of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Arzúa’s historical and cultural significance adds special value to Jhonatan Barrios’s journey.
Exploring Arzúa and Its Surroundings
The Ermita de Sampaio in Arzúa
On the way to Pedrouzo, Barrios passes through Arzúa, where he visits the Ermita de Sampaio. This hermitage, dating from the 17th century, is an example of the region’s rich historical heritage. The visit offers a pause on the journey and a chance to appreciate the local architecture and history.
Discovering Arzúa’s Local Culture
During his time in Arzúa, Barrios has the chance to experience the local culture up close. Among the places he visits is Bar de la Tía Dolores, a distinctive spot located between A Calzada and A Calle de Ferreiros. This bar is known for its pilgrim beer, a drink that has become popular among peregrinos. Each bottle of beer carries the walkers’ personal stamp, becoming a symbol of the pilgrim community and a tangible memento of their journey.
The Final Push: Arzúa to Pedrouzo
Walking Towards Pedrouzo
The stretch from Arzúa to Pedrouzo is a significant stage on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, Jhonatan Barrios and his group pass through several small villages and enjoy the panoramic views offered by the route. Nearing Pedrouzo marks the end of a crucial stage of the pilgrimage, and arriving in this town becomes a moment of reflection and preparation for the final stretch to Santiago.
Arriving at Albergue El Mirador de Pedrouzo
On reaching Pedrouzo, Barrios heads to Albergue El Mirador de Pedrouzo. This hostel, with its comfortable facilities and welcoming setting, offers a well-earned break before the final stage. Arriving at the hostel includes checking in, being assigned a bed, and a chance to relax and enjoy a restorative dinner. The view of the pool and the hostel’s common areas provide a relaxing atmosphere for pilgrims.
Getting Ready for the Grand Arrival in Santiago de Compostela
The Final Stage
Stage 31, the last of Jhonatan Barrios’s pilgrimage, represents the culmination of his journey. With Albergue El Mirador de Pedrouzo as his base, Barrios prepares for the final 19-kilometre stretch to Santiago de Compostela. Excitement and anticipation build as the moment draws near to reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago.
Reflections and Expectations
The journey from Ribadiso to Pedrouzo has been a transformative experience for Jhonatan Barrios. Every stage of the Camino has brought new experiences, challenges and discoveries. As the end of his pilgrimage draws near, Barrios reflects on the journey, the people he has met, and the lessons learned along the way. Arriving in Santiago de Compostela symbolises not only the end of a physical adventure, but also the start of a new chapter in his personal life.
Jhonatan Barrios wraps up stage 30 of the Camino Frances with a deep sense of achievement and gratitude. The Camino de Santiago, with its scenery, its history and its community, has been an unforgettable experience. Arriving in Santiago de Compostela is the crowning moment of a journey that has transformed his outlook and enriched his life.
